Longitudinal Associations Between Sleep and Needs Satisfaction on Mental Health Outcomes in Athletes

Abstract
Introduction: Sleep problems are linked to the occurrence and exacerbation of mental ill-being. Yet, scant research has been conducted in athletes, and is hindered by a lack of theoretical grounding, and cross-sectional study designs. Method: Underpinned by Self-Determination Theory, the present study incorporated a two-wave longitudinal design across a competitive sporting season. Three statistical models tested cross-lagged associations between needs-satisfaction and sleep across adjacent time points, along with changes in mental health outcomes of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and well-being. Results: A total of 136 athletes took part (M age: 29 years; 74% team sport athletes; 69% males). Early-season sleep difficulties led to poorer perceptions of mid-season need satisfaction, and indirectly impacted changes in all mental health outcomes through mid-season needs satisfaction. Conclusions: Sleep difficulties are associated with poorer mental health outcomes in athletes, indirectly through needs satisfaction. Athlete sleep education interventions are recommended and could complement existing mental health programmes.